Finland vs Italy will be the final group game for both teams, as the 2026 Winter Olympics hosts look to register atleast one win under their belt vs. the Lions who are second in Group B, after securing 3 points from 2 games so far. They are ahead of Sweden in group rankings only on goals for:against ratio.
Finland vs Italy Players To Watch Out For
Finland goaltender Juuse Saros made 34 saves in the clash vs. Sweden, which propelled the Lion to a 4-1 win over Scandinavia rivals Sweden in their last group B game. Finland will also look to forwards Joel Armia and Mikko Rantanen to lead the offensive against Italy.
Forwards Dustin Gazley and Matt Bradly are Italy’s scoring leaders through two games so far, and the Italian squad, void of any NHL players, will look to their scoring leaders to upset Finland in their final group stage game. Damien Clara’s status is currently unknown, after he left the game vs. Sweden with an injury.
Finland vs Italy Preview
Finland have the chance to stamp their tickets for the quarterfinals, if they win against Italy with a strong goals for:against ratio. They are currently second the in group with 3 points, just behind Sweden, who are third only on goals for:against ratio. If Lions are able to seal a shutout win vs. Italy, they can almost guarantee a QF spot, lest Sweden should upset group-leaders Slovakia, with a win of huge margin.
Despite the difference in the depth and quality of their roster, Finland are not taking Italty too. lightly.
“We have to respect the opponent, put the best on the table and play the full 60 minutes,” said Finnish forward Erik Haula per NHL.com
Finland Projected Lines vs. Italy (Subject to change)
Forwards:
Granlund – Hintz – Rantanen
Lehkonen – Aho – Teravainen
Luostarinen – Lundell – Kapanen
Kiviranta – Haula – Tolvanen
Defensemen:
Lindell – Heiskanen
Mikkola – Ristolainen
Maata – Jokiharju
Goaltender:
Sarros
Finland vs Italy Odds and Prediction
Finland are favorites to win with -4500 odds, Italy are the underdogs at +1600. The puck line is set at +1.5 for the Italians, at +730, i.e., they have to win outright or lose by just one goal to cover the spread. The Finns, at -1300, have to win by two goals or more to cover a -1.5 spread. The over/under is set at 6.5 goals
(lines via Yahoo Sports)
Score Prediction: Finland 5, Italy 1
Finland vs Italy Betting Tips
- Money line: Take Finland to win (-4500)
- Over/under: Take under on 6.5 goals (-108)
- Puck line: Take Finland to cover -1.5 spread (-1300)
Edited by Srihari Anand
